The Royal Hibiscus Hotel gets official Release Date in Nigerian Cinemas

January 8, 2018

EbonyLife Films has announced that its latest romcom movie, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel, will be released on February 9, 2018.

Set in Lagos and London, The Royal Hibiscus Hotel tells the story of a passionate Nigerian chef, ‘Ope’, trying to follow her dream of opening a restaurant in London. Frustrated by her lack of progress, she returns to Nigeria and discovers that going home can have unexpected rewards. This movie is director Ishaya Bako’s second feature, following his debut, The Road to Yesterday.

The charming romantic comedy, was previously screened for the very first time at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in September 2017 to mixed reviews.

Upon its premiere, the movie received mixed critical reception. Courtney Small of Cinema Axis opined that “Though The Royal Hibiscus Hotel will no doubt find an audience with die-hard rom-com fans, those looking for a more well-rounded experience will be somewhat disappointed”. While Chelsea Phillips-Carr of Pop Matters was more receptive of the film further stating that “The Royal Hibiscus Hotel proves that playing within genre doesn’t have to result in a mediocre film.